Research engineer in microwave hyperthermia cancer treatment

We are looking for a newly graduated research engineer with interest in biomedical applications of microwaves, who will work within the Biomedical Electromagnetic research group at the Department of Electrical Engineering. The focus of this group is to develop new and more effective medical methods and systems for diagnostics and treatment. Stroke diagnostics, breast cancer detection, microwave hyperthermia treatment are a few examples. The main activity in the development towards these applications involves mainly, signal processing methods, antenna systems design and design of measurement hardware. Construction of complete prototype systems for clinical tests is a key goal in all projects.  

In this project, you will work in a team on developing a multi-channel hyperthermia system for focused heat delivery into deep seated tumors. Hyperthermia, i.e heating of tumour tissue in the range of 40–44°C, is applied in combination with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy to improve clinical outcome. In recent years, the ability of hyperthermia to dramatically enhance tumour control rates and even increase patient survival rates for most common cancer types has been demonstrated. At Chalmers, in close collaborations with medical expertise at the Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, we are developing microwave hyperthermia systems to improve the treatment outcome for patients with advanced cancer in head and neck (H&N) and for children with brain tumours. Deep penetration in the body is achieved by using constructive wave interference from a large number of antennas organized in multiple rings around the patient. The heat effect is developed in the tumor by the transmission of microwaves which are adjusted in time, frequency and amplitude to constructively interfer in the desired focus spot.

Using the numerical model of our HT system, we are the first group worldwide that has been able to achieve an adequate brain tumor temperature with desirable precision and without inducing unacceptable hot spots. In the next, inherent step, we aim to develop the prototype of the heating device to verify the achieved numerical results on anthropomorphic phantoms and bring the technology into clinical practice.

Project description
In this project you will participate in a research to develop the present UWB hyperthermia system into its clinical prototype that will be used for cancer treatment of brain tumors. In particular you will


• produce electromagnetic models with commercial software tools (e.g. CST, Comsol) and use that as a tool to improve the antenna system as well as its mechanical design,
• develop the water bolus and its cooling system,
• develop a feedback control of the amplifier system in direct connection to the antenna system,
• performing measurements and calibration of the antenna systems.

The work will be carried out within the Biomedical Electromagnetic research group at the department of Electrical Engineering. The group is host to the state-of-the-art Bioelectromagnetic lab at Chalmers and a newly built SahlBEC laboratory located at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Such clinical environment enables development and faster transition of new medtech technologies into clinical practice.

The Department of Electrical Engineering
At the Department of Electrical Engineering, we conduct internationally renowned research in biomedical engineering, antenna systems, signal processing, image analysis, automatic control, automation, mechatronics, and communication systems. We offer a dynamic and international research environment with about 200 employees from more than 20 countries, and with extensive national and international research collaborations with academia, industry and society. The department provides more than 70 courses, of which most are included in the Master’s Programs ”Biomedical Engineering”, ”Systems, Control and Mechatronics”, and ”Communication Engineering”.

Contract terms
Temporary employment for a maximum of 360 days.

Qualifications
Required qualifications:


• MSc degree or equivalent in a relevant electrical engineering, applied physics or biomedical engineering.
• Previous experience in the area of antennas and their applications in biomedicine/biology is required.
• Knowledge of computational electromagnetics with practical experiences with electromagnetics modeling software.
• Programming in Matlab, Python, C/C++. 

Desired qualifications:


• Experience with a laboratory environment.
• Practical experiences with antenna design, industrial experience in designing, manufacturing and characterization of antenna systems is meritorious.
• Experience with embedded development on Arduino or Raspberry PI
• Creative thinking, attention to detail and ability to complete tasks.

We value a collaborative attitude, creative thinking and an ability to work independently. Self-motivation, attention to detail, and a problem-solving analytical ability are important personal qualities for this position.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Name, Ref 20230470  and be attached as PDF files, as below:

CV

Personal letter

Other documents (optional):
• Copies of completed education, grades etc. Two references that we can contact should be provided at a possible interview.

Please use the button at the bottom of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 21 August, 2023

For questions, please contact:
Dr. Hana Dobsicek Trefna, E2, Biomedical Electromagnetics, hanatre@chalmers.se
Dr. Andreas Fhager, E2, Biomedical Electromagnetics, andreas.fhager@chalmers.se